Cyber Blog

Imagine you’re trying to get a free version of a popular program or following a YouTube video that promises a “crack” or free software tool — something that sounds harmless and even useful. Unfortunately, that’s exactly how some hackers are tricking people into infecting their computers with dangerous programs that steal personal information.

Researchers have recently uncovered a new scam that combines fake software downloads with YouTube videos to spread harmful software. These bad programs, called CountLoader and GachiLoader, don’t just sit quietly — they open the door for other malware that can steal your passwords, personal files, or even let attackers take control of your device.

Here’s how the trick works: when people search online for cracked versions of popular software (like a free version of Microsoft Word), they might be redirected to a link that looks like a normal file download. Instead of getting the software they expected, they download a ZIP file that includes sneaky hidden files. Once opened, these files start installing harmful programs without the user realizing it.

One of the first things these harmful files does is set itself up so it will keep running on your computer. It creates something like a scheduled reminder that runs every so often — even for many years — so the malware can stay active and keep doing its dirty work. Then it connects to another server controlled by the attackers, who can send down even more harmful software.

What makes this even trickier is that YouTube videos are being used as part of the attack, too. Hackers have taken over real YouTube accounts or created fake ones to post videos that look like tutorials or trustworthy guides. These videos may have hundreds of thousands of views, and they often encourage you to click links in the description or follow steps that lead you to the harmful downloads.

Once the malware is on your computer, it can do all kinds of bad things — like quietly grab your login details, copy your personal files, or install even more destructive software in the background. Because these attacks use clever tricks and pretend to look legitimate, they can be very hard to spot.

So what can you do to stay safe? The most important rule is to avoid downloading cracked or pirated software from unofficial websites or links in video descriptions. These files are often modified by criminals to include hidden threats. Stick to official sources or trusted app stores for all your downloads. And if you ever feel unsure about a file, it’s better to play it safe and not open it.

Cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to use familiar tools — like YouTube and file download sites — to trick people into installing harmful software. Understanding these tricks helps you stay one step ahead and keep your computer and personal information safe.